Bridgestone has prepared a response plan for situations that are critical to operations: This is why the Latin America North (BS-LAN) region has a Crisis Committee (CC) that offers decision makers the tools they need to respond quickly, effectively, efficiently and in a structured manner in the event of a crisis situation. The plan has been designed by Bridgestone Americas to comprehensively cover situations, such as those that:
• Require steps to be taken by national leaders in the country affected to resolve situations that could have an impact on human health, security, the environment or the operations’ assets and reputation.
• Require steps to be taken by the organizations in the country affected with the support and leadership of BATO-LA (Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Latin America) or any of the company’s business units operating in the country in question, as is deemed necessary.
In 2016, the first crisis simulation exercise was held by Bridgestone Americas in Mexico. During the simulation, the Crisis Committees CC in Mexico and Nashville were activated, in addition to the Emergency Committees (EC) at the plants in Cuernavaca and León. The simulation exercise was attended by 36 executives.
The Cuernavaca Plant underwent the C-TPAT (Custom-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) recertification process offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Furthermore, Bandag Mexico became C-TPAT certified, and Bridgestone Mexico was certified as an Authorized Economic Operator (OEA per its acronym in Spanish) by the Mexican tax authorities (SAT).
The Bridgestone Latin America North (BS-LAN) Crisis Committee is of fundamental importance given that it guarantees business continuity during crisis situations. This committee decides those situations that merit a response at a corporate level and those situations in which the regions have the authority and responsibility to act and communicate.
Training and Response Plans
With the aim of implementing a training program and ensuring improved responses to critical situations, Bridgestone Mexico trains its employees, contractors and transport providers in crisis management and safety procedures.
In 2016, 40 employees received training in crisis situations and business continuity. In terms of safety issues, 390 employees and 1,100 external personnel (contractors and transport providers) were trained.
